National Museum, New Delhi

Wooden Book cover

Wooden book cover showcasing the three different scenes under three arches.

National Museum, New Delhi

Thunderbolt

Tibetan vajra of crystal & metal

National Museum, New Delhi

Prayer Wheel

This is a prayer wheel made of composite material such as metal, shell and wood. The prayer wheel contains the mantras 'Om mani padme hung...' and the surface of the wheel also depicts various auspicious Buddhist symbols

National Museum, New Delhi

Double Lion Capital

This double lion capital features two facing lions with lowered heads, curly manes, and al shoulder tufts.

National Museum, New Delhi

Kashkul

Oblong 'Kashkul' of coconut shell is ornamented with floral design and an inscribed in Arabic written in Nask script, which reads the name of Allah

National Museum, New Delhi

Nut-cutter

A nut-cutter shaped like a galloping horse, featuring a beautifully carved horse with a rider on its back, and a plain handle at the rear

National Museum, New Delhi

Hand fan

A big hand fan painted with floral designs all over

National Museum, New Delhi

Tiara

The tiara has five panels. The centre of each panel depicts figure of Buddha in gold

About The Museum

About The Museum

The National Museum, New Delhi, as we see it today, has an interesting beginning. The blueprint for establishing the National Museum in Delhi was prepared by the Maurice Gwyer Committee in May 1946.

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Plan Your Visit

 Plan Your Visit

Janpath, New Delhi - 110011

Timings: Tue-Sun (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM)

(Closed on Mondays and National Holidays)

Entry Fee: Adults: Rupee Icon 20 

Foreign Nationals: Rupee Icon 500

Students up to class 12th: Free entry (with I-cards) click here to pre-book your visit.

National Museum, New Delhi

News & Updates

May 29, 2023

Visitors may kindly note that the following Galleries at the National Museum are closed due to the ongoing renovation work until further notice- 1. Arms and Armour 2. Textiles 3. Jewellery. The inconvenience caused is regretted. ...

Mar 12, 2024

Applications are invited from eligible candidates to fill the Junior Translation Officer post in the National Museum, New Delhi. For more details visit to given above URL....

Mar 12, 2024

Applications are invited from eligible candidates to fill the Deputy Curator (Arms & Armour) post at the National Museum, New Delhi. For more details visit to given above URL....

Mar 12, 2024

Applications are invited from eligible candidates to fill the Senior Private Secretary post by Deputation at the National Museum, New Delhi. For more details visit to given above URL....

Mar 12, 2024

Applications are invited from eligible candidates to fill the Production Officer post by Deputation at the National Museum, New Delhi. For more details visit to given above URL....

Mar 12, 2024

Applications are invited from eligible candidates to fill the Chemist post by Deputation at the National Museum, New Delhi. For more details visit to given above URL....

Mar 21, 2024

Applications are invited from eligible candidates to fill the Consultant post at the National Museum, New Delhi. For more details visit to given above URL....

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Dr. B.R. Mani

A Note from Director General


Dr  B.R. Mani

National Museum, the prime cultural organization of India, was inaugurated on 15th August 1949 at President House and moved to its permanent location at Janpath on 18th December 1960...

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Lakshmi

Object of the Month
Jesus on Cross

Lakshmi is one of the most celebrated deities in India. Since the early historic times, Lakshmi has been revered as the goddess of prosperity and wealth in the Brahmanical, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. She has been profusely depicted on Temple complexes and Stupa architecture. ...

Lakshmi India 20th Century Gold 11.1 x 4.6 cm 07.25

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Collections

Pre-historic Archaeology Collection

Beyond the banks of Indus and Saraswati rivers, there was a civilization which flourished, it was known as The Indus Valley civilization. It was also popularly known as The Indus – Saraswati valley or Harappa Civilization. This Bronze Age civilization is supposed to be one of the oldest civilizations of India subcontinent. During 20th and 21st centuries excavation of...

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Archaeology Collections

After the Indus Valley Civilization, India came into the age of different rulers and dynasties. During the ancient and medieval period of Indian history, many dynasties like the Maurya, Shunga, Satavahana, Kushana, Gupta, Vardhanas, Pratiharas (in the north), Palas, Sena (in the east), Maitrakas (in the west), Chola, Chalukya, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar, Nayakas (in the south) has...

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Anthropology Collection

National Museum has a vast collection of anthropological artefacts which consist of approximately 8 thousands object of varied material and mediums such as terracotta, textile, Basketry, bone wood, metal, paper, leather, etc. Many antiquities are made of mentioned material and mediums, a few examples of these artefacts are puppets, garments, masks, weapons, utilitarian...

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Arms and Armour Collection

Since the time of Pre-History to Present, Self-preservation, protection and war have always been an inseparable part of human society. Due to these factors, Arms, as well as Armors, became part of the society. National Museum has an extensive collection of Arms and Armors. From this collection, quite a few examples of Indian weapons like different variety of bows, Variety of...

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Decorative Collection

Every culture has its distinct features, which is clearly reflected in its art, ranging from tiles and wood carvings, ceramic or metal utensils to textiles and jewellery. These functional objects are created manually, and help us in understanding the social, religious, commercial and technological development of the society....

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Manuscripts Collection

The National Museum has a collection of nearly 14,000 manuscripts in various languages and scripts, covering a large number of subjects and representing various schools and provinces. It comprises fragmented or full manuscripts, of which about 1000 are illustrated. The non-illustrated manuscripts are calligraphic, which have ornate letters almost transforming into pictures. Many of...

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Numismatics and Epigraphy Collection

Indian coinage has a long and rich historical tradition that provides a key source of information of political and economic changes. It also reflects the cultural and aesthetic development of different periods and regions.

 

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Painting Collection

The National Museum has nearly 17,000 paintings, representing all important styles of Indian miniatures. It is one of the largest collections of miniature paintings in the country. The Miniature painting tradition has been a key form of Indian painting apart from murals, cloth paintings and paintings on wood. Among miniature paintings, the main schools have been- the Deccani (from...

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Jewellery

The Jewellery gallery at the national museum is called ‘Alamkara’ - The Beauty of Ornament, encompassing the most extensive collection of jewellery in India, with more than 250 items displayed here to tell the story of Indian jewellery. From the beautifully tumbled agate bead necklaces of Mohenjodaro and Harappa to the fabulous jewels adorned with images of gods and goddesses to the...

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Central Asian Antiquities Collection

Being a crucial central part of Asia, frequent movements of people from different regions, faith and culture resulted in the emergence of composite cultural tradition. Hence, we could see elements of Hellenistic, Sassanian, Uigurian, Chinese, Tibetan, and Indian in the Central Asian Art. The collection of...

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Pre-Columbian and Western Art Collection

The collection of Pre Columbian art donated by Mr & Mrs Heeramaneek represents the principal cultures of the Pre- Columbian world. An exquisite collection of artefacts from Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and other regions of South America are a part of the National Museum collection.

 

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Events

A Day At The Museum

Learning and Outreach Event

23 Feb

23rd February

Time: 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM National Museum, New Delhi Janpath Road

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Exhibitions

Jewels of India: The Nizam's Jewellery Collection
Special Exhibitions

Jewels of India: The Nizam's Jewellery Collection

Venue: Ground Floor, National Museum

Date of Inauguration: 18-02-2019

Baluchars: The Woven Narrative Silks of Bengal
Special Exhibitions

Baluchars: The Woven Narrative Silks of Bengal

Venue: Special exhibition hall

Date of Inauguration: 08-02-2019

The Peranakan World: Cross Cultural Art of Singapore and the Straits of Malacca
Special Exhibitions

The Peranakan World: Cross Cultural Art of Singapore and the Straits of Malacca

Venue: National Museum, New Delhi

Date of Inauguration: 10-02-2015

Nauras: The Many Arts of the Deccan
Special Exhibitions

Nauras: The Many Arts of the Deccan

Venue: National Museum, New Delhi

Date of Inauguration: 27-01-2015

Rama - Katha
Special Exhibitions

Rama - Katha

Venue: --

Date of Inauguration: 16-08-2013

Safarnama: Journeys through a Kalamkari Hanging A Photographic Exhibition
Special Exhibitions

Safarnama: Journeys through a Kalamkari Hanging A Photographic Exhibition

Venue: Ajanta Hall 1st floor

Date of Inauguration: 08-04-2013

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